Ries, who made 11 appearances with the now-defunct Texas Charge in her rookie season, is set to become the first player to ever don the Bandits jersey from Minnesota State University.

“We’re excited to add Coley Ries to our talented pitching staff,” Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said. “Her immense success at the collegiate level should translate well to the professional game and we’re looking forward to seeing her grow after a solid rookie campaign.”

While at Minnesota State, Ries re-set the program record books in a number of categories, including career wins (119), strikeouts (1,481), appearances (178) and innings pitched (999.1).

A three-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Pitcher of the Year, the right-hander paced NCAA Division II pitchers in wins (41), strikeouts (476) and shutouts (17) as a senior. The former Maverick led the team to its first-ever NCAA Division II Championship and captured All-American honors.

After going unselected in the 2017 NPF Draft, Ries signed a one-year deal with the Texas Charge on June 15, 2017. She made her professional debut three days later against the Akron Racers in a relief effort.

Ries collected her first career win in her second start on July 10 when she delivered a five-inning performance against the USSSA Pride.

The four-time Cowles Cup champion Chicago Bandits will be back at The Ballpark at Rosemont for the 2018 season. For more information about the Chicago Bandits or to reserve your season tickets, please visit chicagobandits.com or call the box office at 877-722-6348.

Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch league. Entering their 14th season as a franchise, the Bandits have provided the Chicago area with high-level softball talent and entertainment en route to capturing six regular season titles and four Cowles Cup championships, the most recent coming during the 2016 campaign. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, one of the premier softball facilities in the nation. The Ballpark at Rosemont is the only stadium in the country built exclusively for a women’s professional softball team. The Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch softball players to further their careers at the professional level and has included legendary figures such as Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott and Tammy Williams.

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success. The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Akron Racers, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Chicago Bandits, Scrap Yard Dawgs, Texas Charge and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2017 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.